As the dream began to fade, the warmth stayed with her, lingering even as the edges of consciousness began to blur. Hua Jing's lips curved into a faint smile, and her breathing remained steady and calm.
Even in the waking world, the remnants of the dream lingered. Her body instinctively pressed closer to the real warmth beside her, her fingers curling slightly as if holding onto something precious.
Zhao Yan, still wide awake and acutely aware of her every movement, glanced down at her sleeping form. A soft sigh escaped his lips, and he rested his head back against the pillow, his own thoughts swirling in the silence of the room.
...
